On the 29th of November something unique will happen at De La Warr Pavilion: Bustleholm, a live collaboration between grindcore masters Napalm Death and ceramicist Keith Harrison.

Originally created for the Victoria and Albert Museum, where Harrison was Ceramics Resident from October 2012 until March 2013, the event had to be cancelled due “concerns that the high level of decibels generated by the concert would damage the historic fabric of the building”.

Because decibels is what this project is about: Harrison has built an experimental sculptural sound system, clad with blue and yellow ceramic tiles, which will be both activated and progressively disintegrated by Napalm Death‘s music.

The event is free, but limited. Booking fees apply. Maximum 4 tickets per booking.
For more information please call 01424 229111 or visit www.dlwp.com. Doors open at 7pm.

Before heading to the studio to record their follow-up for One For Sorrow; Finland’s darkest death metal musicial export Insomnium have complied a “Making Of” documentary of their time in the studio recording their Century Media debut album; One For Sorrow.

The band comments about this:

During the spring 2011 our good friend Jussi Ratilainen decided to shoot some video of Insomnium, which was supposed to become a short, making-of-documentary about writing and recording of our latest album One For Sorrow. As you already know, things took unexpected turn and we lost a band member and a good friend, Ville Vänni, during this process. Luckily, during the same year we also found the best imaginable fit and new member from Markus Vanhala. This is our first-ever video release telling how One for Sorrow came into being. It’s also a story about friendship and dedication; about four guys chasing a dream while trying to make ends meet. In all its honesty.

Furthermore Insomnium will embark for one more European tour to promote One For Sorrow. This time they’ll team up with mighty Children Of Bodom. The band is psyched about joining the metal legends on tour:

We have been listening Children of Bodom since we started this band and it’s an honour to share the same stage with them every night. Can’t wait to see you on road!

Pioneers of the UK grindcore scene Napalm Death were recently announced as special guests on Children of Bodom’s upcoming Halo of Blood UK tour. Formed in 1981 in Birmingham, Napalm Death have consistently released groundbreaking albums since their now legendary 1987 debut release Scum and they show no signs of slowing down as they continue to tour in support of their current Utilitarian release which came out in 2012. Children of Bodom stated:

Touring the UK and Ireland with Napalm Death feels great! We are honoured to have these pioneers with us and looking forward to seeing them live every night!

Carpathian Forest’s frontman Nattefrost is one more in the long line of Scandinavian Black Metal musicians who have been unable to gain entry into the United States due to the labyrinthine and draconian immigration laws that have so often denied US fans the opportunity to see their favourite European bands. Despite this setback, Carpathian Forest, whose remaining four members had been granted visas, were still aiming to appear at the Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore on the 26th May as scheduled, but as a four-piece, with guitarist BloodPervertor taking on vocals. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the embassy was not able to return drummer Kobro’s passport in time for the band to leave, and Carpathian Forest has therefore been forced to pull out of the festival completely. However, three members – guitarists Tchort and BloodPervertor and bassist Vrangsinn will attend and will be available to talk to fans.

It is only under very exceptional circumstances that Carpathian Forest play without Nattefrost, the only other occasion having been when BloodPervertor stepped in to cover vocals on a handful of dates during the No Mercy Tour in 2004 when Nattefrost broke his collar bone. Commenting on the original decision to go ahead despite the absence of the band’s iconic frontman and then still being forced to cancel, guitarist Tchort had this to say:

When we decided to make the trip without Nattefrost, we knew that many fans would be disappointed, but at the same time we didn’t want to let down the organisers who have been so supportive throughout the whole visa process, and have done everything they could possibly to do to try and make it happen. We were also very aware that Carpathian Forest has many fans in the United States who have waited a long, long time to see the band live, and, given the circumstances, there is always the possibility that Nattefrost may never be granted a visa, so this might have been the only opportunity our US fans will have to see us on stage, albeit minus one member. To then have to pull out completely because of whatever delays occurred even though Kobro’s visa was granted, was a big disappointment for everyone.

Carpathian Forest recently returned to the scene after a period of stasis, and will spend most of 2013 playing a series of one-off shows and festivals while they prepare to record the long-awaited follow up to 2004’s Fuck You All!!!!

Swedish death metal legends At The Gates have been announced as the headliners for this year’s Northern Darkness Festival, marking the band’s first Newcastle show in almost 20 years. Other bands on the bill include, but are not limited to: Dyscarnate, Bloodshot Dawn, Old Corpse Road, Decapitated, Napalm Death and many more.

The festival will take place at the Northumbria University in Newcastle on Sunday 8th December. Tickets are available from this location.

Black Future, the debut album from Philadelphia-based sci-fi thrash outfit Vektor, has been re-issued and is out now on CD and limited edition LP.

Originally released in 2009, Black Future saw Vektor emerge as one of the few genuinely innovative young thrash bands around, and with 2011’s Outer Isolation and a recent prestigious US tour with Napalm Death and MunicipalWaste also under their belt, the band are fast becoming one of the underground’s hottest names.

Black Future features nine tracks and is available now on CD, as well as on double gatefold vinyl in the following quantities and colours:

Huntress will play their first ever UK shows in October 2012 including a London appearance at Metal Hammer’s Halloween party.

The LA outfit will play Bournemouth and Cardiff before joining Black Spiders at Islington Academy on October 29, 2012.

All proceeds from the London show will go to two awesome charities – Childline and Health Partnership Nepal – and with tickets coming in at just £3.50 and shots of Kraken and pints of Hobgoblin at recession-slaying prices; you really have no excuse not to be there. Huntress will be on stage at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now – click here to purchase tickets.